CCA Appoints Expert Panel on International Practices for Funding Natural Science and Engineering Research

The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) has formed an Expert Panel to identify leading international funding practices for natural science and engineering research, and examine how they could be applied here in Canada. Shirley M. Tilghman, O.C., FRS, President Emeritus and Professor of Molecular Biology and Public Affairs at Princeton University, will serve as Chair of the Panel.

“Natural science and engineering research is continually evolving, and research funders need to be responsive to a changing scientific, technological, and social environment,” said Dr. Tilghman. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this panel to identify successful funding practices and explore how research funding agencies are adapting to new challenges and opportunities.”

As Chair, Dr. Tilghman will lead a multidisciplinary group with extensive expertise in academic administration, science and research policy, and funding programs. The Panel will answer the following question:

What is known about successful practices for funding natural science and engineering (NSE) research internationally, and how could such practices be applied to funding for NSE research in Canada?

“Dr. Tilghman is a world-renowned scholar, academic leader, and scientist, and we are delighted she is bringing this outstanding experience to lead this panel,” said Eric M. Meslin, PhD, FCAHS, President and CEO of the CCA. “I anticipate that this timely report will help to inform the future of science and engineering research in Canada.”

The CCA was asked by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to address the question. More information can be found here.

The Expert Panel on International Practices for Funding Natural Science and Engineering Research:

Shirley M. Tilghman, O.C., FRS, (Chair), President Emeritus and Professor, Molecular Biology and Public Affairs, Princeton University

Janice Bailey, Scientific Director, Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Nature et Technologie

Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Former President, European Research Council and Honorary Professor, Institut des Hautes Études Scientifiques

Yuko Harayama, Executive Director, RIKEN

Victoria Kaspi, C.C., FRS, FRSC, Founder and Director, McGill Space Institute, and Professor of Physics, McGill University

Kei Koizumi, Independent Science Policy Consultant, Washington, D.C.

Philip Nelson, Professor of Acoustics, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton

Denis Thérien, Vice-President Research and Partnerships in R&D, Element AI